Effects of a Paleolithic Lifestyle Intervention in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Short-term Effects of a Paleolithic Lifestyle Intervention in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

The study aims to test the feasibility and effects of a dietary and physical activity intervention based on evolutionary considerations in an oncological setting.

A total of 13 breast cancer patients referred to our clinic for curative radiotherapy were recruited for this pilot study. The women were supposed to undertake a "Paleolithic lifestyle" (PL) intervention consisting of a Paleolithic diet and daily outdoor activity of at least 30 min duration while undergoing radiotherapy. Body composition was measured weekly by bioimpedance analysis. Blood parameters were assessed before, during, and at the end of radiotherapy. A control group on an unspecified standard diet (SD) was assigned by propensity score matching.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Body mass index >18 kg/m^2
• Karnofsky performance index >60

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metallic body parts
• Unable to comprehend the intervention